WorldNameData

Holly

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Pronunciation
How to pronounce Holly
ARPA
HH AA1 L IY0
IPA
ˈhɑli
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Holly

Syllables (2)

HH AA1 L IY0

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

HH
he (h)
AA1
odd (ɑ)
L
lee (l)
IY0
eat (i)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

ˈhɑli

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• This name has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Holly

Structure

Character Count
5
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
20%
Name Family
holly

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty2/10

Easy to pronounce

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

Name DNA Profile
The unique character and personality of Holly

Name Personality

The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong

Key Characteristics

Length
Medium

Balanced and versatile

Rhythm
Flowing

Balanced rhythm

Sound
Strong

Consonant-rich and crisp

Ease
Simple

Easy for most speakers

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
holly

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

l×2
h×1
o×1

Most frequent letters in Holly

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Very Easy
2/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Holly compare to the average name?

Holly2/10 😊
2.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Holly is easier than average by 3.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)← Holly
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Holly (root: holly)

Current Name

Holly

Related Names (10)

Short variations:

Holle

Medium variations:

Hollace
Holladay
Hollah
Hollaman
Hollan
Hollando
Hollard

Long variations:

Hollander
Hollandsworth

Holly belongs to a family of 10 related names.

Name Meaning
What Holly means
English

noun 1. any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges

Historical Reference

noun 2. United States rock star (1936-1959)

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Holly's meanings

Primary Theme

🌿
Natural

Inspired by nature, elements, or the natural world

Theme Distribution

Natural
1

Key Themes

tree
star
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Holly

Life Path Number

9
The Humanitarian

Selfless individuals dedicated to serving humanity and making the world better.

Compassionate
Idealistic
Generous
Universal

Most Common Letters

l×2
h×1
o×1
y×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
1(20%)
Consonants
4(80%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

h8
o6
l3
l3
y7

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Holly
Famous individuals who share this name
👤

Holly Hughes

American performance artist

Born: 1955

👤

Holly Hagan

British reality television personality

Born: 1992

👤

Holly Lewis

Canadian actress (1974-2012)

Born: 1974

👤

Holly Morris

American writer, television producer, television presenter

Born: 1965

👤

Holly Fulger

American actress

Born: 1956

👤

Holly Cole

Canadian jazz and pop singer

Born: 1963

Country Rankings
How popular Holly is around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Australiagirl#982015-2015
Canadagirl#892003-2003
Irelandgirl#212019-2019
New Zealandgirl#732019-2019
United Kingdomgirl#572018-2018
United Statesboy#9991900-1900
United Statesgirl#5092018-2018
Country Comparison
How Holly ranks across different countries

Showing top 7 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

Similar Names
Names similar to Holly
HollaceHolladayHollahHollamanHollanHollanderHollandoHollandsworthHollardHolle
Rhyming Words
Words that rhyme with Holly
akali
ali
artale
attali
bakrewali
bali
bengali
bialy
braly
brolly
caccavale
cali
campanale
canale
caporale
cardinale
casale
casali
colley
collie

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Holly?
IPA: /ˈhɑli/ ARPA: HH AA1 L IY0 This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Holly?
Holly has 2 syllables.
Is Holly easy to pronounce?
Yes, Holly is very easy to pronounce. It has simple, common sounds that most people can say without difficulty.
Is Holly easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Holly is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Holly?
There are 100 notable people named Holly. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Holly?
Names similar to Holly include: Hollace, Holladay, Hollah, Hollaman, Hollan. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Holly a good baby name?
Holly makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Holly a boy or girl name?
Holly can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Holly?
The name is spelled Holly. Common spelling variations include: Hollace, Holladay, Hollah.
What are common nicknames for Holly?
Common nicknames for Holly include: Hol, Holly, Holie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Holly mean?
The name Holly means "holly\n n 1: any tree or shrub of the genus Ilex having red berries and\n shiny evergreen leaves with prickly edges\n 2: United States rock star (1936-1959) [syn: {Holly}, {Buddy\n Holly}, {Charles Hardin Holley}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Holly?
Middle names that pair well with Holly include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Holly?
Sibling names that pair well with Holly include: Hollace, Holladay, Hollah, Hollaman. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Holly?
Yes, Holly is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Holly from?
Holly has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Holly suitable for a professional career?
Holly is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Holly a long or short name?
Holly is a short name with 5 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Holly?
Common spelling variations of Holly include: Hollah, Hollan, Holle. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Holly and Hollace?
Holly and Hollace are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Holly is spelled Holly while Hollace is spelled Hollace. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.